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Marrakech
Marrakech or Marrakesh, known as the "Red City" or "Al Hamra," is a city with a population of 1,036,500 (as of 2006) in southwestern Morocco, near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Name Open/Close
The possible origin of its name could be from the Tamazight (Berber) words mur (n) akuch, which means Land of God. (The root "mur" is nowadays in the Berber languages used only in the feminine form "tamurt"). The same word "mur/mawr" appears in the country Mauritania, but this interpretation is still unproved to this day, and there are other possibilities that are often invoked. The name Morocco itself derives from Murrakush. (Certainly not, Morroco in arabic Maghreb literaly means "West") This city is the capital of the Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz region. Marrakech has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has the busiest square in the entire continent of Africa, called Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians by day; and food stalls by night, becoming a huge open-air restaurant. Like many North African and Middle Eastern cities, Marrakech comprised both an old fortified city (the médina) and an adjacent modern city (called Gueliz). It is served by Ménara International Airport (RAK is the code for the city) and a rail link to Casablanca and the north. The city is called "Marrakech" in French, "Marrakesh" in English, and "Marrakesch" in German. History Open/Close
Marrakesh is the second largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, and was known to early travellers as "Morocco City." Prior to the advent of the Almoravids in the 11th century, the area was ruled from the city of Aghmat. The Almoravid leader, Abu-Bakr Ibn-Umar decided Aghmat was becoming overcrowded and decided to build a new capital. Being a nomad from the Sahara Desert, he decided to build it in a plain, away from the mountains and rivers, and chose the site of Marraksh as being in neutral territory between two tribes who were vying for the honor of hosting the new capital. Work started in May 1070, but Abu-Bakr was recalled to the Sahara to put down a rebellion in January 1071, and the city was completed by his deputy and eventual successor Yusuf ibn Tashfin. The city experienced its greatest period under the leadership of Yacoub el Mansour, the third Almohad sultan. A number of poets and scholars entered the city during his reign, and he began the construction of the Koutoubia Mosque and a new kasbah. Prior to the reign of Moulay Ismail, Marrakech was the capital of Morocco. After his reign, his grandson moved the capital back to Marrakesh from Meknès. For centuries Marrakesh has been known for its 'seven saints'. When sufism was at the height of its popularity, during the reign Moulay Ismail, the festival of the 'seven saints' was founded by Abu Ali al-Hassan al-Yusi at the request of the sultan. The tombs of several renowned figures were moved to Marrakesh to attract pilgrims in the same way Essaouira did at that time with its Regrega festivals. The 'seven saints' (sebaa rizjel) is now a firmly established institution, attracting visitors from everywhere. The seven saints include Sidi Muhammad al-Jazuli, Sidi Abu al-Qasim Al-Suhayli and Cadi Ayyad ben Moussa. Marrakech was dominated in the first half of the 20th century by T'hami El Glaoui, Lord of the Atlas and Pasha of Marrakesh. Demographics Open/Close
Marrakech had a population of 1,036,500 in 2006. The official number of residents is one million. Also, there is a very large international community consisting mainly of Europeans: especially French, estimated at 10,700 people, mostly retired. Additionally there are Germans, Italians, English and Swiss. Modern Marrakech Open/Close
Modern Marrakesh represents a reverberating collision of Africa and Europe, west and east, bohemia and high culture, Arab cities and Berber villages. Framed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, thousand-year-old palm groves, and wrapped in faded red, ochre walls, Marrakech casts a magic spell. One’s senses are stimulated by the brilliantly colored spices, entrancing music, rich folds of carpets, delectable cuisine, whirling dervishes, intertwining tile geometries, and perfumed gardens shimmering in still waters of reflecting pools. This tour combines the sensuous delights of Morocco’s most exhilarating Imperial city with spectacular mountain vistas and idyllic beaches, making for a most enchanting visit. Marrakesh’s position at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes also makes it an ideal base for excursions. Spend a day in the Ourika Valley in the nearby Atlas Mountains as a guest of a local Berber family for a unique perspective on the traditional way of life. Unwind for a day in the seaside town of Essaouira, a former Portuguese settlement where windsurfers frolic near the fringe of silvery beach and camels ferry passengers across fine sand. Explore the old fortress ramparts, browse artisan shops, or dream on the beach. Back in Marrakech, celebrate the conclusion of your journey by dining at one of the city’s centuries-old former palaces. Trips from Marrakesh Open/Close
Many tourists take a trip from Marrakech to visit the valley of
the Ourika River in the Atlas Mountains or the valley of the Draa
River in the south near the Sahara desert, but also to Middle Atlas
Mountains: Waterfalls of Beni Mellal, and to the Essaouira on the
Atlantic ocean.
Transport Open/Close
Menara International Airport serves as the main airport for the city and receives flights from Europe and neighboring Arab countries. A toll-paying motorway connects Marrakesh with Casablanca. CTM coaches (intercity buses) and various private lines run services to most notable Moroccan towns as well as a number of European cities, from the Gare Routière on Rue Bab Doukkala in downtown Marrakech. Marrakesh is the southern terminus of the ONCF, the Moroccan railway network, and Marrakech is well served by trains heading to Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez. The train station is located on Avenue Hassan II. The ONCF owned "Supratours" bus company serves towns not served by the train. The bus timetable coordinates with the train timetable and the bus terminal is right beside the station. Main Sights in Marrakech Open/Close
A list of notable places in the city of Marrakesh, Morocco.
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Tags: Riads, Marrakech, Morocco, Tours, Marrakesh, Riad, Tour